EIGHT men have been arrested for using a public toilet for sex acts following complaints from local people.

Undercover police made the arrests for offences of causing a public nuisance after the men were detained at the toilet block in Zetland Park, Redcar.

They were acting on information from local people, including reports of men being accosted in the toilets and invited to take part in sex acts.

Police believe people are travelling from Whitby, Hartlepool and Darlington to use the toilets inappropriately.

Sergeant David Sutherland said people have been too frightened to use the facilities after being propositioned.

He said: "Police, with the assistance of park wardens, aim to end such activity immediately.

"Facilities in the park are for everyone's benefit, and this behaviour will not be tolerated."

He said undercover officers had monitored the toilets for several days, gathering evidence on a number of men who they believed were engaged in sexual activity.

He said: "This is a problem that is of significant concern to people who live around the park and use the facilities.

"Some park users said they did not feel they could let their children use the toilets unsupervised. This is clearly an issue that affects the quality of life of local people.

"The extensive facilities within Zetland Park, including a children's play area, bowling green and tennis courts, are provided for the benefit of everyone.

"However, unwarranted activity of this nature restricts people's enjoyment of the park."

The men have been released on bail pending further inquries.